The C3 Suite
Accelerate CMMC compliance for small business with our comprehensive solutions
Confidently face your small business CMMC assessment with the C3 Suite of IT and compliance services
A prescriptive path to CMMC for small business compliance
Achieving CMMC Level 2 compliance for small business is no small feat. On average, it takes 12-18 months to build the technical environment and organizational program needed to meet NIST 800-171 and its 320 assessment objectives required for small business CMMC certification.
That’s why we created the C3 Suite of CMMC for small business services and solutions to help Defense Industrial Base small businesses achieve CMMC compliance quickly and confidently. Purpose-built to meet the requirements of CMMC Level 2 for small business operations, both C3 Command and C3 Catalyst take the guesswork out of your small business CMMC compliance efforts.
Your small business compliance. Our commitment.
The C3 Suite
C3 Command
Our most comprehensive CMMC solution does much more than just traditional CMMC consulting services: We address both the technical and non-technical requirements to deliver a complete approach to CMMC compliance. We’ll take responsibility for 80% of all your CMMC Level 2 assessment objectives (including 100% of all IT-related objectives) and support you through the remaining 20%.
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The C3 Suite
C3 Catalyst
Companies rely on C3 Catalyst to balance the compliance assurance of C3’s proven CMMC reference architecture and best-practice-based service model with additional flexibility to support a broader set of client requirements. In addition, C3 offers the option of supporting your 3rd-party compliance partner, or compliance consulting services for clients that need help navigating the assessment process.
With this solution, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll take care of building, maintaining, and updating your C3-managed system for CMMC Compliance.
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Your Small Business CMMC Partner
Partnering for small business compliance success
In matters of entrepreneurship and specialized services, our small business clients are the experts. But when it comes to IT, cybersecurity, and CMMC for small business, our expertise is second to none.
But CMMC compliance for small business isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, so whether you already have a trusted compliance partner or need expert guidance, we’ve designed our solutions to limit non-compliance risk while speeding small business CMMC achievement to ensure a smooth path to certification.
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Not sure which CMMC for small business solution is right for you? Let’s talk.
Need support outside of CMMC for small business?
C3 offers customized managed services built upon a security-centric architecture and derived from C3’s Reference Architecture for small business clients who need support outside of CMMC-defined boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About CMMC for Small Business
Can small businesses afford CMMC compliance?
Yes, CMMC for small business can be cost-effective through right-sized implementations, cloud-based solutions, managed services, and compliance approaches scaled to small business size and complexity. The investment often pays for itself through increased contract opportunities and competitive advantages.
What types of small businesses need CMMC compliance?
CMMC for small business applies to technology startups, specialized manufacturers, engineering consultants, IT service providers, cybersecurity firms, research companies, and any small business handling Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in defense contracts.
What unique challenges do small businesses face with CMMC compliance?
Small businesses face unique CMMC challenges including limited IT budgets, smaller staff resources, lack of dedicated cybersecurity personnel, need for cost-effective solutions, and pressure to maintain competitive pricing while achieving compliance.
How can small businesses implement CMMC compliance cost-effectively?
Small businesses can achieve CMMC compliance cost-effectively through cloud-based solutions, managed services, shared resources, phased implementations, leveraging existing systems, and working with experienced CMMC partners who understand small business constraints.
What CMMC level do most small businesses need?
Most small businesses need CMMC Level 2 certification when handling CUI, though some may only need Level 1 for FCI-only work. The required level depends on the type of information the small business will access or handle under specific defense contracts.
How long does CMMC implementation take for small businesses?
CMMC for small business typically takes 12-18 months for implementation, though smaller businesses with focused operations and right-sized solutions may achieve compliance more quickly than larger, more complex organizations.
Can small businesses use existing IT systems for CMMC compliance?
Yes, small businesses can often leverage existing IT infrastructure for CMMC compliance while adding necessary security controls. This approach minimizes costs and disruption while ensuring compliance with all CMMC requirements.
What documentation do small businesses need for CMMC compliance?
Small businesses need comprehensive but appropriately scaled documentation including System Security Plans, CMMC policies and procedures, evidence of control implementation, organizational charts showing cybersecurity responsibilities, and contracts demonstrating compliance requirements.
How does CMMC for small business affect competitive positioning?
CMMC compliance for small business provides significant competitive advantages including eligibility for defense contracts, preferred vendor status with prime contractors, access to higher-value opportunities, and differentiation from non-compliant competitors.
Can small businesses outsource CMMC compliance management?
Yes, small businesses can work with managed service providers and CMMC specialists to handle compliance management, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance while focusing on their core business operations and growth.
What happens if small businesses don't achieve CMMC compliance?
Small businesses without CMMC compliance cannot pursue defense contracts requiring certification, may lose existing contracts, face reduced growth opportunities, and risk being excluded from the defense supply chain.
Are there special programs for small business CMMC compliance?
While there are no official government programs specifically for small business CMMC compliance, many service providers offer scaled solutions, financing options, and specialized services designed to meet small business needs and budgets.
How do small businesses maintain CMMC compliance over time?
Small businesses must maintain continuous CMMC compliance through ongoing monitoring, regular assessments, staff training, policy updates, incident response, and preparation for recertification every three years, often with external support.
What training do small business employees need for CMMC compliance?
Small business employees need cybersecurity awareness training, role-based security training, CUI handling procedures, incident response training, and regular updates on CMMC requirements, often delivered through cost-effective online programs.
Can small businesses partner together for CMMC compliance?
While each business must achieve individual CMMC certification, small businesses can share resources, training costs, and expertise through industry associations, consortiums, and collaborative relationships to reduce individual compliance burdens.
How does CMMC for small business affect growth and scalability?
CMMC compliance for small business supports growth by opening access to defense contracts, enabling scalable security infrastructure, providing competitive advantages, and creating opportunities for expansion into new markets and contract opportunities.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.